ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the structure and function of the intervertebral disc, its biomechanical function and relevance in clinical practice. The developed intervertebral disc consists of a tough outer layer (annulus fibrosus) and a soft inner core (nucleus pulposus). The nucleus pulposus represents the inner layer encased by the annulus fibrosus. The vertebral end plate consists of hyaline cartilage in children and is highly vascularized. Herniation of the nucleus pulposus through a defect in the annulus fibrosus most often occurs at the insertion of the outer annulus into the vertebral body, where the stresses and motion are greatest. Disc degeneration occurs due to pathological and non-pathological processes in the disc. Recent advances in the understanding of intervertebral disc biology have led to increasing interests in the development of biological treatments aimed at disc regeneration. Growth factors, gene therapy, stem cell transplantation and biomaterials-based tissue engineering may allow for intervertebral disc regeneration by overcoming the limitations of the self-renewal mechanisms.
